This chapter explores the evolving landscape of information and communication technology (ICT) adoption among older adults globally, highlighting progress, persistent disparities, and key barriers. While ICT use has surged, driven by digitalization trends and accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults still lag behind younger populations, with only 28% of those aged 65+ online in 2024 compared to 67% of the general population. Regional disparities are stark: high-income nations (e.g., the U.S., Sweden) report adoption rates exceeding 75%, while low-income regions (e.g., sub-Saharan Africa) struggle with sub-40% penetration due to infrastructure gaps and affordability challenges. The pandemic catalyzed telehealth and social connectivity adoption, yet barriers like digital literacy (only 37% of EU seniors possess basic skills), privacy concerns, and device costs persist. Older users prioritize functional purposes (e.g., information-seeking, banking) over entertainment, favoring computers for ergonomic ease. The chapter underscores the need for targeted policies, affordable access, tailored literacy programs, and secure platforms, to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable inclusion for aging populations.

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ICT Use Among Older Adults Around the World

  • Danan Gu,
  • Qiushi Feng,
  • Kun Wang,
  • Hee Yun Lee

摘要

This chapter explores the evolving landscape of information and communication technology (ICT) adoption among older adults globally, highlighting progress, persistent disparities, and key barriers. While ICT use has surged, driven by digitalization trends and accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults still lag behind younger populations, with only 28% of those aged 65+ online in 2024 compared to 67% of the general population. Regional disparities are stark: high-income nations (e.g., the U.S., Sweden) report adoption rates exceeding 75%, while low-income regions (e.g., sub-Saharan Africa) struggle with sub-40% penetration due to infrastructure gaps and affordability challenges. The pandemic catalyzed telehealth and social connectivity adoption, yet barriers like digital literacy (only 37% of EU seniors possess basic skills), privacy concerns, and device costs persist. Older users prioritize functional purposes (e.g., information-seeking, banking) over entertainment, favoring computers for ergonomic ease. The chapter underscores the need for targeted policies, affordable access, tailored literacy programs, and secure platforms, to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable inclusion for aging populations.